Even though most of Chelsea’s stars are away on international duty, Cobham training ground is far from quiet.
The Blues are riding high after a 3-0 win over Wolves, sitting comfortably in third place in the Premier League, but the club still faces a number of challenges—from player injuries to stadium developments.
Here’s a look behind the scenes at what’s happening at Chelsea, with insights from Kieran Gill.
Levi Colwill’s Recovery on Track
Chelsea fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of Levi Colwill, who suffered an ACL injury in early August.
Initially, the club estimated a nine-month recovery period, targeting a comeback around April or May.
Gill reports that Colwill is progressing perfectly, off crutches for over a month, and showing no setbacks.
While an exact return date is still uncertain, there’s hope that he could rejoin the squad before the end of the season, which may present Thomas Tuchel with an interesting decision for the upcoming World Cup, given Colwill’s involvement in his first England camps.
Cole Palmer Targets Champions League Comeback
Cole Palmer is another key player on the mend, with hopes of returning in time for Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Barcelona on November 25.
His recovery is reportedly moving along well, though a precise date for full training remains unknown.
Chelsea are being careful not to rush Palmer back, prioritizing his long-term health.
Updates are expected from Enzo Maresca at the pre-Burnley press conference on November 21, which could give fans their first real glimpse of Palmer’s readiness.
His return would undoubtedly lift the Stamford Bridge atmosphere.
Mykhailo Mudryk Remains a Sensitive Situation
Mudryk’s situation is delicate and heavily restricted in terms of reporting.
The Ukrainian forward last played for Chelsea nearly a year ago in a Conference League win over Heidenheim.
Charged by the FA in June for a doping violation, Mudryk faces a potential four-year ban, though he and his representatives maintain his innocence.
Chelsea Confidential is limited in what can be confirmed, highlighting the sensitivity around this ongoing issue.
Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia Updates
Dario Essugo, signed to support Moises Caicedo, had thigh surgery in September while with Portugal U21s and could return around January, if all goes well.
Meanwhile, Romeo Lavia will miss at least a month after a quad injury during the Champions League draw with Qarabag.
Reece James, who recently spoke with Gill, knows the challenges Lavia faces, particularly after recovering from his own hamstring issues.
Chelsea are hoping both players return healthy and ready to contribute.
Other Injury News
Enzo Fernandez skipped Argentina duty, and Pedro Neto left Portugal camp, both aiming to recover from minor niggles.
These breaks are expected to aid their long-term fitness for Chelsea.
Front-of-Shirt Sponsor Update
Despite fan curiosity, there’s currently no news on a new front-of-shirt sponsor, with the club yet to release any official updates.
Stadium Plans and BlueCo’s Ambitions
Chelsea are keen on a new stadium that reflects their ambitions, but official announcements are still pending. It remains a complex situation with no confirmed next steps.
Nicolas Jackson and Bayern Munich
Jackson seems unlikely to return to Chelsea, despite a €65m obligation linked to his €16.5m loan.
Reports suggest he hopes Bayern will commit to signing him permanently next summer, regardless of whether he meets the 40-game clause.
Why Chelsea Have Five Sporting Directors
Chelsea operate a collaborative model with five sporting directors, each with specialized responsibilities:
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Paul Winstanley – sporting director
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Laurence Stewart – sporting director
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Dave Fallows – football development
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Joe Shields – scouting and talent
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Sam Jewell – global recruiting
This structure allows shared accountability across multiple areas, unlike clubs that rely on a single point of focus.
January Transfer Window Plans
Chelsea aren’t expected to make major moves in January.
The squad is largely satisfied with its depth, especially in central defence, despite missing out on Dean Huijsen in the summer.
Any acquisitions will focus on opportunities rather than necessity.
Axel Disasi’s Path Back to Fitness
Surprisingly, Axel Disasi captained Chelsea U21s in a 4-1 win over Reading, having impressed in training while separated from the first team.
His involvement in youth games is a step towards match fitness and a potential return to the senior squad, though any comeback is likely post-January.